Mary & Martha

Sue’s Views
I’ve been thinking over the last few days about Mary and Martha ….. two sisters in the Bible. You can read about them in Luke 10: 38-42. I often feel like Martha gets a bad rap because ….. hey ….. someone has to do the cooking and cleaning! I can definitely identify the ‘Martha’ in me! Especially during this season of celebration and getting together with friends and family. But there is also a ‘Mary’ in me ….. who longs to sit at Jesus feet and spend time with Him ….. hearing what He has to say and getting to know Him more intimately. I’m sure Mary knows how to cook and clean ….. but she also knows how to not get distracted from what’s really important. For that reason …… ‘Martha’ is going to take a much needed break ….. and allow ‘Mary’ to rise up and discover the ‘new thing’ Jesus wants to show her. 
‘Sue’s Views’ will also take a break over the next few days ….. and we’ll see what transforms! Thanks to all who have read ….. reacted ….. and responded to my posts. Love and blessings to you all! See you in 2026!
image

2025

Sue’s Views
2025 is flying by and in just one week it will be in the past! It will no doubt be a very significant year in the history books of the future. But I wonder what they will say! History consists of eras ….. years ….. and moments. Of choices and decisions that determine the future. Let’s not allow 2025 to be remembered for the word ‘antisemitism’ ….. or the word ‘terrorism’ ….. but let it be remembered as the year that changed history for the better.
Image.png

Jesus Is With You!

Sue’s Views
We always hear that Christmas is about family, fellowship and feasting ….. but let me remind you that on that first Christmas, Mary & Joseph were alone ….. ostracised  from family ….. and I doubt there was much of a banquet in the stable. They had fellowship with animals and strangers! So if you are feeling lonely today, you are in great company! Jesus is right there with you. Be blessed!
image

Oh Holy Night!

Sue’s Views
One of the things I love about the story of Christ’s birth ….. is that He came at a time when the world was in darkness. There had been no word from God for 400 years ….. and Israel was under a tyrannical King. There was much despair and hopelessness. No one knew the significance of that night ….. nor the impact a tiny baby would have. Things can change overnight! He is the Hope ….. and the Saviour! He came to deliver and set free the captives ….. to heal the sick and broken ….. and to redeem the sinner! Do you believe in Him? 
Image.png

Stop ….. And Smell The Roses!

Sue’s Views
In the busyness of the season ….. don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! A walk through the rose garden will put things into perspective. It will make you aware that you are part of something much bigger than the things that concern you ….. and therefore you can hand them over to the One who cares more than you do. You may have difficult people or situations to deal with. Even roses have thorns ….. they are part of life. But they don’t allow the thorns to overshadow their beauty.
Image.png

Keep Things In Perspective!

Sue’s Views
However stressed or pressured you may feel ….. remember to take it one day at a time. Jesus came to bring peace and joy ….. not stress and worry. He came to save us from sin ….. not to lead us into debt and more guilt. He came to show us what the Father is like ….. to demonstrate how we should live ….. and ultimately to die in our place so we could go to Heaven. Let’s keep things in perspective!
Image.png

Two Rules To Live By

Sue’s Views
The two most important rules to live by are to love God ….. and to love people! They are simple ….. but profound. You can’t have one without the other. When you put God first ….. He will fill your heart with compassion and love for others. As you treat others the way you would like to be treated ….. you will discover the heart of God.
image

Time Pressure

Sue’s Views 
One of the major causes of stress is time pressure. When we feel like we have too much to do ….. and too little time to do it! Eccles 3:1 says “There is ….. time for every purpose under heaven”. Ask yourself ….. “Is what I’m doing initiated by God ….. or is it because of other people’s expectations ….. or my inability to say ‘No!’ He is not obligated to bless the stuff He didn’t purpose! Food for thought!
image

The Flowers Still Bloom!

Sue’s Views
One thing I love about the Gardens is that it doesn’t matter what kind of day it is ….. the flowers still bloom. Come rain or shine ….. they just do what they were designed to do. Storms will come! Clouds will block out the sun! But they don’t change who you are or your purpose in life. Don’t let your circumstances determine your mood ….. let your mood determine the circumstances!
Image.png

Angels’ Trumpets

Sue’s Views
This tree is commonly known as ‘Angels’ Trumpets’. In the book of Revelation ….. we read about the seven trumpets that will be blown by seven angels ….. each pronouncing a different judgement upon the earth during the Great Tribulation. The attrocities we are seeing daily across our world are a result of people who have turned their backs on God. The fact is that there is a day coming when those who have done so will be judged and severely punished for their disobedience. We are all guilty …..  but God has provided a way for us to avoid that punishment by putting our trust in Jesus Christ ….. who took our punishment Himself. What an amazing act of love and mercy! God is waiting patiently for you to respond because He doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins. Will you do so?
Image.png